Next time, I'm hoping to introduce the group to some reader's theater. I've got a couple of scripts in mind, I just have to make sure they'll work for 11 kids. And I've got two weeks to work on that.
Friday, September 30, 2011
5th Grade Class Visit, 9/30
I have procrastinated all day on posting about my tenth and last library program of the week. This was my biweekly visit from the 5th grade class at the Catholic school next door to the library. I'm planning to do more activities with them as the year wears on, but until I have some prep time, I've just been reading to them. And they love it.
Today, I started off with Chicken Cheeks by Michael Ian Black and Kevin Hawkes (2009), but it was not nearly as big a hit as I expected. The teacher thought it was hilarious and laughed with me, but the class - 9 boys and 2 girls - wrinkled their noses and told me I was gross. And let me tell you, there is a certain amount of shame that comes with fifth grade boys thinking my butt jokes are disgusting!
But we moved right on to the second book I picked out, Spot the Plot by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (2009), and they absolutely loved it! The book is a series of clues, written as poems, that suggest different well-known children's books. I made sure to have a copy of each of the books mentioned on hand, so that when they guessed right, I could hold up that title, and when they were stumped - as they were by Tacky the Penguin and Ferdinand - they could see the books they didn't know. All of the kids were involved and engaged and the teacher loved the concept!
Next time, I'm hoping to introduce the group to some reader's theater. I've got a couple of scripts in mind, I just have to make sure they'll work for 11 kids. And I've got two weeks to work on that.
Next time, I'm hoping to introduce the group to some reader's theater. I've got a couple of scripts in mind, I just have to make sure they'll work for 11 kids. And I've got two weeks to work on that.
Baby/Toddler Lap Time, 9/30
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big (twice)
Rhyme: Dance Your Fingers (twice)
Book: Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin, Jr., illustrated by Lois Ehlert (2011)
This book has everything - big, bold colors, counting, and rhyming text. The group was restless today, but a lot of little eyes grew wider when they saw the images in this book.
Song: Flutter, Flutter Butterfly (a cappella with butterfly puppet)
Song: You Are My Sunshine (a cappella with sun puppet)
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Head and Shoulders
Book: Kitten's Autumn by Eugenie Fernandes (2010)
I love the simple, yet evocative language in this book. And the illustrations include everything I love about Fall!
Song: One Little Finger
Song: Tommy Thumb
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Squirrels
Five little squirrels sitting by the door,
One ran away and then there were four.
For little squirrels climbing up a tree,
One ran away and then there were three.
Three little squirrels with coats so new.
One ran away and then there were two.
Two little squirrels warming in the sun,
One ran away leaving only one.
One little squirrel wasn't having any fun,
He ran away and then there were none.
[Source]
Song: The Wheels on the Bus (Raffi)
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
A full description of this, and all my weekly story time programs can be found here.
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big (twice)
Rhyme: Dance Your Fingers (twice)
This book has everything - big, bold colors, counting, and rhyming text. The group was restless today, but a lot of little eyes grew wider when they saw the images in this book.
Song: Flutter, Flutter Butterfly (a cappella with butterfly puppet)
Song: You Are My Sunshine (a cappella with sun puppet)
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Head and Shoulders
I love the simple, yet evocative language in this book. And the illustrations include everything I love about Fall!
Song: One Little Finger
Song: Tommy Thumb
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Squirrels
Five little squirrels sitting by the door,
One ran away and then there were four.
For little squirrels climbing up a tree,
One ran away and then there were three.
Three little squirrels with coats so new.
One ran away and then there were two.
Two little squirrels warming in the sun,
One ran away leaving only one.
One little squirrel wasn't having any fun,
He ran away and then there were none.
[Source]
Song: The Wheels on the Bus (Raffi)
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
A full description of this, and all my weekly story time programs can be found here.
Pre-K Class Visit, 9/30
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
I have to stop trying to make this book work. The kids just looked bored.
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
The other Pre-K group with whom I shared this book really enjoyed it, but this group didn't engage with it as well.
Song: Shake My Sillies Out
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Apples
(I did the version with the animals, not with the angry wind.)
Song: ABCD Medley
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Flannel Friday: Fall Post #3: Leaves
In September, I've been focusing on squirrels and apples. Now that we're heading into October, I'll be adding in some leaves, wind, and pumpkins.
As usual, please excuse the bad photography. My phone doesn't have a great camera, and I am not a great picture taker!
My toddlers love it when I lift anything up high, and let it fall to the floor. Babies like to watch, too!
The clip art I used for my leaves is here: leaves clipart.pdf
Here are some more possibly rhymes to use with flannel board leaves:
Four little leaves hanging from a tree,
Looking as lovely as can be.
Whoosh went the wind and one leaf said,
“Ill meet you on the ground. I’m the color RED.”
I've missed the last two Flannel Fridays, but it's nice to be back! If you still need more ideas for Fall, I've also got posts about apples and squirrels.
This week's Flannel Friday host is Sharon over at Rain Makes Applesauce. Previous posts are gathered by Anne at So Tomorrow, as well as on Pinterest. Happy weekend, everyone!
As usual, please excuse the bad photography. My phone doesn't have a great camera, and I am not a great picture taker!
Five little leaves so bright and gay,
Were dancing about on a tree one day.
The wind came blowing through the town,
And one little leaf came tumbling down.
Four little leaves so bright and gay,
Were dancing about on a tree one day.
The wind came blowing through the town,
And one little leaf came tumbling down.
Three little leaves so bright and gay,
Were dancing about on a tree one day.
The wind came blowing through the town,
And one little leaf came tumbling down.
Two little leaves so bright and gay,
Were dancing about on a tree one day.
The wind came blowing through the town,
And one little leaf came tumbling down.
One little leaf so bright and gay,
Was dancing about on a tree one day.
The wind came blowing through the town,
And that last little leaf came tumbling down.
My toddlers love it when I lift anything up high, and let it fall to the floor. Babies like to watch, too!
The clip art I used for my leaves is here: leaves clipart.pdf
Here are some more possibly rhymes to use with flannel board leaves:
Five little leaves in the autumn breeze, tumbled and rumbled in the through the trees.
The first little leaf said "I am red - I shall rest in a flower bed"
The second little leaf, the orange one, said "Turn me over, I'm on my head."
The third little leaf said "I am yellow - I'm a happy go lucky fellow."
The fourth little leaf said "I am still green - I am part of the summer scene"
The fifth little leaf said "I am gold - I'm a sign it's getting COLD!"
[Source]The first little leaf said "I am red - I shall rest in a flower bed"
The second little leaf, the orange one, said "Turn me over, I'm on my head."
The third little leaf said "I am yellow - I'm a happy go lucky fellow."
The fourth little leaf said "I am still green - I am part of the summer scene"
The fifth little leaf said "I am gold - I'm a sign it's getting COLD!"
Five little leaves on the tree next door
One fell off and then there were four
Four little leaves all over the tree
One fell off and then there were three
Three little leaves where the wind blew
One fell off and then there were two
Two little leaves sitting in the sun
One fell off and then there was one
One little leaf in the tree all alone
The wind blew and blew now there are none!
[Source, Credit] One fell off and then there were four
Four little leaves all over the tree
One fell off and then there were three
Three little leaves where the wind blew
One fell off and then there were two
Two little leaves sitting in the sun
One fell off and then there was one
One little leaf in the tree all alone
The wind blew and blew now there are none!
Four little leaves hanging from a tree,
Looking as lovely as can be.
Whoosh went the wind and one leaf said,
“Ill meet you on the ground. I’m the color RED.”
Three little leaves hanging from a tree,
Looking as lovely as can be.
Whoosh went the wind and another fell down.
This little leaf was the color BROWN.
Looking as lovely as can be.
Whoosh went the wind and another fell down.
This little leaf was the color BROWN.
Two little leaves hanging from a tree,
Looking as lovely as can be.
Whoosh went the wind. Oh my, it was cold!
Another leaf fell. It was the color GOLD.
Looking as lovely as can be.
Whoosh went the wind. Oh my, it was cold!
Another leaf fell. It was the color GOLD.
One little leaf hanging from a tree,
Looking as lovely as can be.
Whoosh went the wind and the leaf started to sway,
But it was still GREEN, so it had to stay !
[Source] Looking as lovely as can be.
Whoosh went the wind and the leaf started to sway,
But it was still GREEN, so it had to stay !
I've missed the last two Flannel Fridays, but it's nice to be back! If you still need more ideas for Fall, I've also got posts about apples and squirrels.
This week's Flannel Friday host is Sharon over at Rain Makes Applesauce. Previous posts are gathered by Anne at So Tomorrow, as well as on Pinterest. Happy weekend, everyone!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Gettin' Crafty: Post #1: Intro & Pencil Toppers
As the school year began at the end of August, I decided to make a greater effort, now that I've been in the job almost one full year, to offer more for the after school crowd that visits my library. Up until this Fall, I only had one afternoon program, a family story time, that was poorly attended and chaotic, and a handful of scheduled programs for older kids that went mostly ignored. I was not satisfied with that, and I knew I could do better. So in addition to changing the Monday story time to a preschool story time, I've also begun putting out craft supplies after school on some of the busier days.
My mom is exceedingly crafty - she cross stitches, and she used to make dolls, and even some of my clothes when I was a kid. I, however, have not inherited this gene. On the contrary, I am impatient and easily frustrated, I can't thread a needle, and my middle school home and careers project was sewn, in part, by the nice boy who sat next to me. My winter coat has been missing a button since February, because I have yet to puzzle out how to sew it on. So needless to say, my crafts needed to be simple, and easy enough that if kids asked for help, I'd be able to give it.
So I've done a few now, and I've decided that, since there must be other librarians like me, who are all thumbs when it comes to craftiness, I'll share what I'm doing, and hopefully make someone else's life easier!
So here is the first craft we did, back on September 6th:
I originally got the pencil topper idea from Kaboose.com, which has always been one of my go-to sites for simple kids' activities. I didn't follow their instructions exactly, but I did get my supply list from them.
Everything I didn't already have (except the pencils, which came from a dollar store) I bought at Michael's:
Googly Eyes
Glitter Pom-PomsThese wouldn't stick at all. More on that in a moment.
Initially I set up the program in the children's programming room, but when no one seemed interested, I put it at one of the homework tables in the back corner. That drew in a larger crowd, since the kids sitting back there couldn't help but see what we were doing. And it's monkey see, monkey do with crafts. If several kids are doing it, several more will join.
I put out one example pencil, which I made myself. Here are the steps I followed:
1. Choose two foam pieces of equal size and shape. Stick one to either side of the pencil eraser. Pinch with your fingers to make sure it's really stuck. This is the base for your pencil topper.
2. Attach more foam shapes to the base. Create eyes, ears, and other facial features, or do your own abstract design. This is where I was really glad to have adhesive foam shapes. The thought of all that glue made my brain hurt.
3. Attach buttons, googly eyes and/or pom poms if desired. Or, if you're me, attach the pom-poms and watch them immediately fall off. I eventually got one to stick right in the center of a button, but I think it was because the button was plastic. Nothing in the world could make that pom pom stick to a piece of foam. Some kids did still try to use pom-poms, but I wound up picking them up off the floor, or worse, scraping them off the table.
Despite the stickiness and frustration, what I liked about this craft was that it really depended on the kids' creativity. I intended the project to be for grades K to 3, but it was easy enough, that with a little grown-up help, the little ones could participate too. (I also left the pencils unsharpened, making it safer for the little ones to make their toppers without hurting themselves or anyone else.) Most of the kids who participated did not follow my example at all, which I thought was wonderful, and one little artist was so inspired by mine, she actually took it apart and re-stuck the pieces on her own project.
I would definitely do it again, but next time, I might like to get some smaller self-adhesive stick-ons - maybe some gems, or some other type of sticker. This would also work with pens, and I think, given the right environment (i.e. one without toddlers) kids all the way up to middle school could enjoy it.
Next time: Popsicle Stick Bookmarks.
So I've done a few now, and I've decided that, since there must be other librarians like me, who are all thumbs when it comes to craftiness, I'll share what I'm doing, and hopefully make someone else's life easier!
So here is the first craft we did, back on September 6th:
Pencil Toppers
I originally got the pencil topper idea from Kaboose.com, which has always been one of my go-to sites for simple kids' activities. I didn't follow their instructions exactly, but I did get my supply list from them.
Everything I didn't already have (except the pencils, which came from a dollar store) I bought at Michael's:
Creatology Foam Stickers: Shapes
These are the foam shapes with adhesive on the back, so there is no glue required. We used glue anyway, for other things, but I always aim to avoid glue, since I then have to scrape it off all of our tables.
Alas, these were not self-adhesive and required some Elmer's.
Initially I set up the program in the children's programming room, but when no one seemed interested, I put it at one of the homework tables in the back corner. That drew in a larger crowd, since the kids sitting back there couldn't help but see what we were doing. And it's monkey see, monkey do with crafts. If several kids are doing it, several more will join.
I put out one example pencil, which I made myself. Here are the steps I followed:
1. Choose two foam pieces of equal size and shape. Stick one to either side of the pencil eraser. Pinch with your fingers to make sure it's really stuck. This is the base for your pencil topper.
2. Attach more foam shapes to the base. Create eyes, ears, and other facial features, or do your own abstract design. This is where I was really glad to have adhesive foam shapes. The thought of all that glue made my brain hurt.
3. Attach buttons, googly eyes and/or pom poms if desired. Or, if you're me, attach the pom-poms and watch them immediately fall off. I eventually got one to stick right in the center of a button, but I think it was because the button was plastic. Nothing in the world could make that pom pom stick to a piece of foam. Some kids did still try to use pom-poms, but I wound up picking them up off the floor, or worse, scraping them off the table.
Despite the stickiness and frustration, what I liked about this craft was that it really depended on the kids' creativity. I intended the project to be for grades K to 3, but it was easy enough, that with a little grown-up help, the little ones could participate too. (I also left the pencils unsharpened, making it safer for the little ones to make their toppers without hurting themselves or anyone else.) Most of the kids who participated did not follow my example at all, which I thought was wonderful, and one little artist was so inspired by mine, she actually took it apart and re-stuck the pieces on her own project.
I would definitely do it again, but next time, I might like to get some smaller self-adhesive stick-ons - maybe some gems, or some other type of sticker. This would also work with pens, and I think, given the right environment (i.e. one without toddlers) kids all the way up to middle school could enjoy it.
Next time: Popsicle Stick Bookmarks.
7 Books About Kids & Dogs
 | Calvin Coconut: Zoo Breath by Graham Salisbury Calvin studies his dog's bad breath in the hopes he can get rid of it before his mother sends the dog away. |
 | Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes The Pye family dog is stolen and the kids must work to get her back! |
 | Julia Gillian Trilogy by Alison McGhee Julia Gillian's best friend is her dog Bigfoot, but he's starting to show his age. |
 | Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo Opal's new dog, Winn Dixie, helps her make friends and come to terms with her mother's abandonment of the family. |
 | Love That Dog by Sharon Creech A reluctant poet is inspired by famous poets and his own life. |
 | Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant Henry and his dog, Mudge go through life's milestones together. |
 | Carl series by Alexandra Day These wordless picture books show what happens when Carl the rottweiler is left to babysit. |
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Cybils 2011
Now that the official announcement has been made, I am very happy to be able to tell you that I will be a first-round judge for this year's Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils) in the Easy Reader/Early Chapter Book category. Since I already have a number of blog posts scheduled for the months of October and November, I don't think this will cause a decrease in blogging activity for the foreseeable future. In fact, with all the books I'll be reading, it's pretty likely I'll be posting even more reviews!
Cybils nominations will open this Saturday, October 1st, and will remain open for two weeks. I really encourage everyone to think of those wonderful titles that stood out for you throughout this past year and put in your nominations! Anyone is welcome to participate. Each person is allowed one nomination per genre, and any book published between October 16, 2010 and October 15, 2011 is eligible. I will post reminders throughout the two weeks here in the blog, as well as on Twitter (@sharingsoda). Please spread the word and encourage all your kidlit-friendly friends to nominate their favorites as well.
I look forward to reading all the nominations in my category, and helping to find the year's best books. For more on the Cybils, visit http://www.cybils.com/.
I look forward to reading all the nominations in my category, and helping to find the year's best books. For more on the Cybils, visit http://www.cybils.com/.
Baby Lap Time, 9/28 & 9/29
This was my second Baby Lap Time session in my six-week registration-only series. About ten babies showed up, ranging in age from 2 months to 15 months. We did almost the exact same songs and rhymes as last week, but I varied the order and changed the books. I will repeat this routine twice more tomorrow.
Opening Song: Clap Along With Me
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
Rhyme: Where Oh Where Are Baby's Fingers?
Song: Tony Chestnut (a cappella)
Song: Mr. Sun (a cappella)
Book: Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker (1994)
Something about this book makes babies from about 6 to 12 months squeal with joy.
Flannel Board Rhyme: I Went to Visit the Farm One Day
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Head and Shoulders
Book: In My Den by Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich (2009)
This board book includes a finger puppet that peeps through the hole on each page. I went around to every baby and said hello, then went around to say goodbye. That was a spur of the moment idea, but it worked really well!
Song: Shortnin' Bread by the Laurie Berkner Band (with shaker eggs)
Song: Brown Squirrel
I held up a squirrel puppet on a stick for this one, mainly as a distraction from having to part with the shaker eggs.
Bounce: Mother and Father and Uncle John
Song: ABCD Medley
Goodbye Song: Open, Shut Them (Goodbye Version)
Opening Song: Clap Along With Me
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
Rhyme: Where Oh Where Are Baby's Fingers?
Song: Tony Chestnut (a cappella)
Song: Mr. Sun (a cappella)
Something about this book makes babies from about 6 to 12 months squeal with joy.
Flannel Board Rhyme: I Went to Visit the Farm One Day
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Head and Shoulders
This board book includes a finger puppet that peeps through the hole on each page. I went around to every baby and said hello, then went around to say goodbye. That was a spur of the moment idea, but it worked really well!
Song: Shortnin' Bread by the Laurie Berkner Band (with shaker eggs)
Song: Brown Squirrel
I held up a squirrel puppet on a stick for this one, mainly as a distraction from having to part with the shaker eggs.
Bounce: Mother and Father and Uncle John
Song: ABCD Medley
Goodbye Song: Open, Shut Them (Goodbye Version)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Baby/Toddler Story Time, 9/27
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Book: Pizza at Sally's by Monica Wellington (2006)
The process of making a pizza, from obtaining the ingredients to baking and serving it. This was on the longer side, but the kids really loved it. There is so much to look at. It's also great for focusing on new vocabulary.
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Rhyme: This Little Wind
Book: What Can You Do in the Wind? by Anna Grossnickle Hines, illustrated by Thea Kliros (1999)
My favorite page in this book, hands down, is the two little girls trying to swallow the wind.
Song: Shake My Sillies Out
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Leaves
Watch for my Flannel Friday post about this rhyme later this week!
Song: One Little Finger I had to skip this one in session three because I lost my voice at the end of Five Little Leaves and couldn't sing. Thankfully, it came back in time for the goodbye song! (I hate allergies.)
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: Monkeys on the Bed
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
The process of making a pizza, from obtaining the ingredients to baking and serving it. This was on the longer side, but the kids really loved it. There is so much to look at. It's also great for focusing on new vocabulary.
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Rhyme: This Little Wind
This little wind blows silver rain.
This little wind drifts snow.
This little wind sings a whistled tune.
This little wind croons low.
And this little wind rocks baby birds tenderly to and fro.
My favorite page in this book, hands down, is the two little girls trying to swallow the wind.
Song: Shake My Sillies Out
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Leaves
Watch for my Flannel Friday post about this rhyme later this week!
Song: One Little Finger I had to skip this one in session three because I lost my voice at the end of Five Little Leaves and couldn't sing. Thankfully, it came back in time for the goodbye song! (I hate allergies.)
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: Monkeys on the Bed
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Monday, September 26, 2011
Preschool Story Time (Food Theme), 9/26
Today was my first themed preschool story time, and it was such a success, I have decided to stick with themes for the foreseeable future. Sure, that means some more work for me, but it also means variety, attentive kids, and hopefully, some useful blog posts for my readers.
Today's theme is FOOD.
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
Book: Mouse Mess by Linnea Riley (1997)
I love the colors in this book, and the changes in perspective as the mouse makes his mess, then stands back to survey it. The kids were reluctant to participate, but some of them did eventually make some observations about the illustrations, including that the mouse eats a cracker in bed.
Song: Aikendrum
I really hesitated to do this song again, since it's been kind of a dud in the past, but thankfully, this time when I asked the kids to pretend to play a ladle they did it! And I told them it was Raffi, which seemed to make it go down easier as well.
Book: We Are What We Eat by Sally Smallwood (2008)
This book shows real kids and their favorite fruits and veggies. Each illustration pulls out into a wider spread showing the insides and outsides of the chosen fruit or vegetable. They really liked this one, especially the pages where the kids put cucumbers or strawberries on their eyes.
Song: I Feel Crazy
This was a new song for story time, but I've been trying to convince myself to do it for a long time. The parents looked at me like I was a little bit nuts - or really boring, I'm not sure which. But the kids seemed to like it, especially because it had new motions we haven't done, like galloping and splashing.
Song: Fruit Salad Salsa
Special thanks to Librarian Pirate, who responded to my tweet about this song on Saturday and inspired me to use shaker eggs instead of just awkwardly dancing around. The song was maybe not a favorite, but all the kids loved shaking.
Book: Who Took the Cookies from the Cookie Jar? by Bonnie Lass & Philemon Sturges, illustrated by Ashley Wolff (2000)
This is a twist on that well-known childhood chanting game. This time, all the culprits are animals, who leave behind clues. Who is guilty? The kids didn't guess, but they loved the big reveal.
Song: The Wheels on the Bus
I did this to avoid singing Chickadee for the nine millionth time. I need a little variety now and then.
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Other books I considered reading for this story time include:
Find more food story times on these other blogs:
A full description of this, and all my weekly story time programs can be found here.
Today's theme is FOOD.
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
I love the colors in this book, and the changes in perspective as the mouse makes his mess, then stands back to survey it. The kids were reluctant to participate, but some of them did eventually make some observations about the illustrations, including that the mouse eats a cracker in bed.
Song: Aikendrum
I really hesitated to do this song again, since it's been kind of a dud in the past, but thankfully, this time when I asked the kids to pretend to play a ladle they did it! And I told them it was Raffi, which seemed to make it go down easier as well.
This book shows real kids and their favorite fruits and veggies. Each illustration pulls out into a wider spread showing the insides and outsides of the chosen fruit or vegetable. They really liked this one, especially the pages where the kids put cucumbers or strawberries on their eyes.
Song: I Feel Crazy
This was a new song for story time, but I've been trying to convince myself to do it for a long time. The parents looked at me like I was a little bit nuts - or really boring, I'm not sure which. But the kids seemed to like it, especially because it had new motions we haven't done, like galloping and splashing.
Song: Fruit Salad Salsa
Special thanks to Librarian Pirate, who responded to my tweet about this song on Saturday and inspired me to use shaker eggs instead of just awkwardly dancing around. The song was maybe not a favorite, but all the kids loved shaking.
This is a twist on that well-known childhood chanting game. This time, all the culprits are animals, who leave behind clues. Who is guilty? The kids didn't guess, but they loved the big reveal.
Song: The Wheels on the Bus
I did this to avoid singing Chickadee for the nine millionth time. I need a little variety now and then.
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Other books I considered reading for this story time include:
- Baby Food by Saxton Freymann & Joost Elffers
- Pizza at Sally's by Monica Wellington
- Today is Monday by Eric Carle
Find more food story times on these other blogs:
A full description of this, and all my weekly story time programs can be found here.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
7 Apple Books for Kids
 | Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss A balancing act, counting game, and reading lesson in one! |
 | Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell A little girl visits a farm and celebrates Fall. |
 | Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson A pioneer father, his daugher, Delicious, and their family travel across the country with their fruit trees. |
 | Ten Red Apples by Pat Hutchins A counting and rhyming story about apples and the farm animals who eat them. |
 | Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han Clara Lee worries that her bad luck will prevent her from winning the Little Miss Apple Pie contest. |
 | Down the Road by Alice Schertle Hetty's parents let her walk to the store for eggs, but she gets distracted by a tree full of juicy apples. |
 | Picking Apples by Margaret Mcnamara The kids from Robin Hill School take a trip to the apple orchard. |
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Baby Lap Time, 9/21 & 9/22
I have finally, after many months, gotten myself together enough to do a babies-only registration-only story time. Today was the first session, and tomorrow I will repeat it twice more, at 11:00 and 11:30 AM. Today's group had 11 babies, each with one adult, for a total of 22 people in our little story time room. It was the absolute perfect number of people, and I couldn't be happier with how well it went. This year has been kind of a crash-course in learning to be a good children's librarian, and I feel like this is the final exam that proves I can do this.
I worked harder on the plan for this story time than for any other I have ever done, and it really paid off. This is what the final performance looked like.
Opening Song: Clap Along With Me
I've stopped using this with other groups, but it seemed perfect for breaking the ice with the babies. And it worked well. Everyone seemed to feel comfortable clapping, and I have a lot of great singers in my group of adults.
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
I use this rhyme for my own comfort, as much as for the enjoyment of the group. Melissa from Mel's Desk wrote this little gem, and I can't thank her enough! The regular storytime goers love it, and I have a feeling we'll be creating some new fans here soon. Also, I added a prop for these sessions that allows the adults to participate more fully. My fiance lent me a music stand, and I printed up the rhymes and set them out on the stand. It worked perfectly, even though an easel would still be better.
Rhyme: Where Oh Where Are Baby's Fingers?
I brought a baby doll prop to this story time - another change from the larger story times. His name is Marty, and he's African-American, and so far, he's the celebrity of the lap time! The babies just loved looking at him, touching his toes, and laughing. My mom got him for me from a kindergarten teacher she works with, and he's just perfect, especially for a rhyme like this.
Song: Mr. Sun (a cappella)
I used the beloved sun hand puppet for this one. The adults sang along, and some of them actually seemed to know the song, which was a nice surprise.
Song: Tony Chestnut (a cappella)
I always muddle through this, and then it spooks me and I never try it again. But I'm determined to get it down this time around, because it's so cute, and funny when I do it right!
Book: Hello, Baby! by Mem Fox, illustrated by Steve Jenkins (2009)I chose this book for my first week because I've done it before, and I know it works. It's hard to gauge baby reactions to books sometimes, because they're not walking up to it, or calling out words, like the toddlers might, but the fact that most of them had their faces glued to me while I read seemed like a sure enough sign that it was a hit. Also, Steve Jenkins' illustrations are a guaranteed hit every time.
Song: Bumpin' Up and Down in my Little Red Wagon (a cappella)
I am not very good at modeling bouncing. This might have something to do with the fact that I don't think I've ever held a baby. But my baby doll prop and I did our best, and the audience really responded. The kids were somewhat less interested in turning their hands or waving than I expected, especially since some of them are a year old or more, but that was still just fine.
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
In theory, it's fun to tip babies over and pour them out. In practice... maybe not so much. We might not revisit this one next time around.
Song: Shortnin' Bread by the Laurie Berkner Band (with shaker eggs)
I used homemade shaker eggs for this one. I bought the eggs from Oriental Trading, filled them with rice, and taped them shut with electrical tape. They're not the most beautiful things in the world, but they are fully functional. I need to remember to pass them out more quickly next time, though. We had one little guy who felt totally left out when he didn't get his first. Oops! Another important tip - hide the basket away when the eggs are handed back in, or the focus will be on nothing but eggs. Still, though, this was awesome.
Book: I'm a Baby, You're a Baby by Lisa Kopper (1994)
My all-time favorite book for babies. They seemed mostly into it, though I felt like there was some shyness or trepidation on the part of some of the families. I had the feeling I was being looked at sort of oddly. But I was also just really nervous, since it was new, so I might be paranoid. Either way, this is a great, great book for babies. I love it.
Rhyme: I Went to Visit the Farm One Day (with puppets)
I was initially going to do this on the flannel board, but I went for puppets instead. And what a wise choice. The puppets are easier for me to manipulate, easier to move around to make sure everyone can see them, and more interesting than laminated paper on a flannel board, at least for this group. And thank God for willing participants - these moms and dads and nannies were awesome with their moos and neighs and baas!
Bounce: Mother and Father and Uncle John
I like this one. It cracks me up, and another librarian in my system mentioned in a training class that his groups love it. Time will tell, I guess. It didn't seem like a hit today, but it was also new. We shall see.
Song: Head and Shoulders
Nothing new here! I've been doing this one with all my groups for months now!
Goodbye Song: Open, Shut Them (Goodbye Version)
Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Raise your hands up high!
Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Wave and say goodbye.
Goodbye!
I absolutely loved this repertoire, and I managed to talk to my audience a little bit without freaking out or resorting to the Wheels on the Bus, as is my m.o. sometimes when I am nervous. So that was a victory. I think for tomorrow, I need to focus more on getting to know individual babies and for next week, maybe I should even do a song using names. I hadn't planned to, but it seems like it would work really, really well.
Baby Lap Time will run through the end of October, and I'm already looking forward to the next session, both for tomorrow's groups, and for this one next week. I won't write up tomorrow's sessions, since they should be the same, but I will try to write up detailed reports like this one for next week's groups, too.
I worked harder on the plan for this story time than for any other I have ever done, and it really paid off. This is what the final performance looked like.
Opening Song: Clap Along With Me
I've stopped using this with other groups, but it seemed perfect for breaking the ice with the babies. And it worked well. Everyone seemed to feel comfortable clapping, and I have a lot of great singers in my group of adults.
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
I use this rhyme for my own comfort, as much as for the enjoyment of the group. Melissa from Mel's Desk wrote this little gem, and I can't thank her enough! The regular storytime goers love it, and I have a feeling we'll be creating some new fans here soon. Also, I added a prop for these sessions that allows the adults to participate more fully. My fiance lent me a music stand, and I printed up the rhymes and set them out on the stand. It worked perfectly, even though an easel would still be better.
Rhyme: Where Oh Where Are Baby's Fingers?
I brought a baby doll prop to this story time - another change from the larger story times. His name is Marty, and he's African-American, and so far, he's the celebrity of the lap time! The babies just loved looking at him, touching his toes, and laughing. My mom got him for me from a kindergarten teacher she works with, and he's just perfect, especially for a rhyme like this.
Song: Mr. Sun (a cappella)
I used the beloved sun hand puppet for this one. The adults sang along, and some of them actually seemed to know the song, which was a nice surprise.
Song: Tony Chestnut (a cappella)
I always muddle through this, and then it spooks me and I never try it again. But I'm determined to get it down this time around, because it's so cute, and funny when I do it right!
Song: Bumpin' Up and Down in my Little Red Wagon (a cappella)
I am not very good at modeling bouncing. This might have something to do with the fact that I don't think I've ever held a baby. But my baby doll prop and I did our best, and the audience really responded. The kids were somewhat less interested in turning their hands or waving than I expected, especially since some of them are a year old or more, but that was still just fine.
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
In theory, it's fun to tip babies over and pour them out. In practice... maybe not so much. We might not revisit this one next time around.
Song: Shortnin' Bread by the Laurie Berkner Band (with shaker eggs)
I used homemade shaker eggs for this one. I bought the eggs from Oriental Trading, filled them with rice, and taped them shut with electrical tape. They're not the most beautiful things in the world, but they are fully functional. I need to remember to pass them out more quickly next time, though. We had one little guy who felt totally left out when he didn't get his first. Oops! Another important tip - hide the basket away when the eggs are handed back in, or the focus will be on nothing but eggs. Still, though, this was awesome.
My all-time favorite book for babies. They seemed mostly into it, though I felt like there was some shyness or trepidation on the part of some of the families. I had the feeling I was being looked at sort of oddly. But I was also just really nervous, since it was new, so I might be paranoid. Either way, this is a great, great book for babies. I love it.
Rhyme: I Went to Visit the Farm One Day (with puppets)
I was initially going to do this on the flannel board, but I went for puppets instead. And what a wise choice. The puppets are easier for me to manipulate, easier to move around to make sure everyone can see them, and more interesting than laminated paper on a flannel board, at least for this group. And thank God for willing participants - these moms and dads and nannies were awesome with their moos and neighs and baas!
Bounce: Mother and Father and Uncle John
Mother and Father and Uncle John
went to town one by one!
Mother fell off.
Father fell off.
But Uncle John went
on and on and on and on and on!
on and on and on and on and on!
I like this one. It cracks me up, and another librarian in my system mentioned in a training class that his groups love it. Time will tell, I guess. It didn't seem like a hit today, but it was also new. We shall see.
Song: Head and Shoulders
Nothing new here! I've been doing this one with all my groups for months now!
Goodbye Song: Open, Shut Them (Goodbye Version)
Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Raise your hands up high!
Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Wave and say goodbye.
Goodbye!
I absolutely loved this repertoire, and I managed to talk to my audience a little bit without freaking out or resorting to the Wheels on the Bus, as is my m.o. sometimes when I am nervous. So that was a victory. I think for tomorrow, I need to focus more on getting to know individual babies and for next week, maybe I should even do a song using names. I hadn't planned to, but it seems like it would work really, really well.
Baby Lap Time will run through the end of October, and I'm already looking forward to the next session, both for tomorrow's groups, and for this one next week. I won't write up tomorrow's sessions, since they should be the same, but I will try to write up detailed reports like this one for next week's groups, too.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Baby/Toddler Story Time, 9/20
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Book: Good-night Owl! by Pat Hutchins (1972)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Book: Old MacDonald Had a Farm by Jane Cabrera (2008)
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Head and Shoulders
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Apples
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Head and Shoulders
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Apples
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Preschool Story Time, 9/19
I am very late posting this, so no time for commentary today! The only thing I will say is that I forgot the clock in the story time room is fast and went over my usual half hour by a few minutes. I also don't recommend the farm theme for preschoolers. It went okay, but they were somewhat beyond making animal sounds.
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
Book: My Farm Friends by Wendell Minor (2011)
Song: Old MacDonald Had a Farm (a cappella, with puppets)
Book: Farmyard Beat by Lindsay Craig, illustrated by Marc Brown (2011)
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Flannel Board Song: A-P-P-L-E
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Apples
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: The Wheels on the Bus (Raffi)
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
A full description of this, and all my weekly story time programs can be found here.
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
Song: Old MacDonald Had a Farm (a cappella, with puppets)
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Flannel Board Song: A-P-P-L-E
There is a fruit
that's good to eat
and apple is its name-oh!
A-P-P-L-E
A-P-P-L-E
A-P-P-L-E
And apple is its name-oh!
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Apples
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: The Wheels on the Bus (Raffi)
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
A full description of this, and all my weekly story time programs can be found here.
Monday, September 19, 2011
5th Grade Class Visit, 9/16
I forgot to post about it, but on Friday, I had my first visit from the 5th grade class at the Catholic school next door to the library. They're studying American geography, which inspired me to think about American history, and resulted in me sharing John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith with them.
They were a great audience, and the book hit all the right comic points. I think the most enjoyable part of the session for all of us was reading the True/False section at the back of the book. The kids enjoyed having the jokes debunked, and learning that some of the facts in the book really were true. I really recommend reading this book to older kids who visit the library, especially if you're trying to break the ice and get to know them a little bit.
They were a great audience, and the book hit all the right comic points. I think the most enjoyable part of the session for all of us was reading the True/False section at the back of the book. The kids enjoyed having the jokes debunked, and learning that some of the facts in the book really were true. I really recommend reading this book to older kids who visit the library, especially if you're trying to break the ice and get to know them a little bit.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Baby/Toddler Lap Time, 9/16
I haven't done this story time in three weeks. It's so good to be back!
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
There is no greater feeling than sitting in a room and leading a group of people in song - especially people who want to be there, and clearly love it.
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big (twice)
Rhyme: Dance Your Fingers (twice)
Book: The Little Red Hen by Byron Barton (1993)I don't even like this story that much, but I love this version. I especially love that the illustrations show the three lazy animals - the pig, the cat, and the duck - doing other fun activities instead of helping out.
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Head and Shoulders
Song: Mary Had a Little Lamb
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
There is no greater feeling than sitting in a room and leading a group of people in song - especially people who want to be there, and clearly love it.
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big (twice)
Rhyme: Dance Your Fingers (twice)
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Song: Head and Shoulders
Song: Mary Had a Little Lamb
Book: Potato Joe by Keith Baker (2008)
I always get strange reactions when I read this book. I love Watermelon Moe, but I think some people think the whole thing is too bizarre.
Song: You Are My Sunshine
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: The Wheels on the Bus (Raffi)
Flannel Board Song: Five Little Acorns
I needed something simple, tried to learn it at the last minute and then butchered it. Next time, I'll get it down.
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
A full description of this, and all my weekly story time programs can be found here.
I always get strange reactions when I read this book. I love Watermelon Moe, but I think some people think the whole thing is too bizarre.
Song: You Are My Sunshine
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: The Wheels on the Bus (Raffi)
Flannel Board Song: Five Little Acorns
I needed something simple, tried to learn it at the last minute and then butchered it. Next time, I'll get it down.
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
A full description of this, and all my weekly story time programs can be found here.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Pre-K Class Visit, 9/15
I have a couple of Pre-K groups that plan to come to the library for story times on a monthly basis throughout this school year. This morning, I did my first one for the month of September, and I used a theme of apples. I've decided to start doing themes for preschool story times, because it makes my life easier, and - in theory, at least - makes the story time more organized. We'll see how it goes.
In the meantime, here is today's order of events:
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
Book: Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson, illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Book: Ducking for Apples by Lynne Berry, Hiroe Nakata (2010)
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Apples
(I did the version with the animals, not with the angry wind.)
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
In the meantime, here is today's order of events:
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Little Apples
(I did the version with the animals, not with the angry wind.)
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
6 Train Picture Books
 | Freight Train by Donald Crews Learn the colors and the parts of a freight train from this wonderfully illustrated classic picture book. |
 | Window Music by Anastasia Suen This book explores what can be seen from the window of a moving train. |
 | Two Little Trains by Margaret Wise Brown An actual train and a toy train take parallel journeys. |
 | And The Train Goes... by William Bee This great read-aloud is filled with wonderful sounds that a train might make. |
 | I Love Trains! by Philemon Sturges An introduction to trains for the littlest learner. |
 | 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo by Eric Carle A simple counting book counts all the animals as they travel by train to the zoo. |
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Baby/Toddler Story Time, 9/13
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Book: Mama Cat Has Three Kittens by Denise Fleming (1998)
This was a huge and unexpected hit. Mama Cat has three kittens - two do what she does, and one naps all day. One-year-olds were walking up and pointing at the book even before we started, and several moms said it was a new favorite for their little ones.
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Book: Ten Red Apples by Pat Hutchins (2000)
Too long for toddlers. I should have switched after the first session, but I didn't leave myself enough time to choose a back-up. This would be much better for twos and threes.
Song: Shake My Sillies Out
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Flannel Board Rhyme: Down Around the Corner by the Big Oak Tree
I made some changes to this. I put some Velcro onto some large craft sticks and attached the squirrels to them. Then I had each squirrel literally come along and take the acorn then disappear behind the flannel board. I put them all back on at the end, and added this new verse:
This final verse brought down the house, but it took too long to get there. I think next time I'd do this one in place of a second book. Maybe next week I'll try a book and two flannels and see how that goes.This will also be good to do with pre-K, maybe, or at preschool story time.
Song: One Little Finger (Session 1 only)
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: The Wheels on the Bus
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
This was a huge and unexpected hit. Mama Cat has three kittens - two do what she does, and one naps all day. One-year-olds were walking up and pointing at the book even before we started, and several moms said it was a new favorite for their little ones.
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Too long for toddlers. I should have switched after the first session, but I didn't leave myself enough time to choose a back-up. This would be much better for twos and threes.
Song: Shake My Sillies Out
Song: I'm a Little Teapot (Sessions 1 and 2 only)
Flannel Board Rhyme: Down Around the Corner by the Big Oak Tree
I made some changes to this. I put some Velcro onto some large craft sticks and attached the squirrels to them. Then I had each squirrel literally come along and take the acorn then disappear behind the flannel board. I put them all back on at the end, and added this new verse:
Down around the corner
and down the trail
are five little squirrels
with big bushy tails!
Listen to them chew
with a nibble and crunch
as they eat their yummy little
acorns for lunch!
This final verse brought down the house, but it took too long to get there. I think next time I'd do this one in place of a second book. Maybe next week I'll try a book and two flannels and see how that goes.This will also be good to do with pre-K, maybe, or at preschool story time.
Song: One Little Finger (Session 1 only)
Song: Tommy Thumb
Song: The Wheels on the Bus
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Monday, September 12, 2011
Preschool Story Time, 9/12
This story time is right back to square one now that school is back in session. The wonderful group I had two weeks ago wasn't in today, and in their place, I had a bunch of bored-looking, unengaged families. I had to change my entire routine because I had planned for older kids, and got mostly twos and under (the program is for 2 to 5), and they wouldn't sit for the flannel boards I wanted to do. Very disappointing. But here is what I came up with.
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
Book: Let's Look at Dinosaurs by Frances Barry (2011)
I love this one. The language is simple enough for preschoolers, and the pop-up images of the dinosaurs are eye-catching and exciting - especially the T-Rex!
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Enormous Dinosaurs
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
Book: Too Much Noise by Ann McGovern, illustrated by Simms Taback (1967)
A man's house is too noisy. A wise man makes it even noisier. Why? To teach the man a lesson! Amazingly, people managed to talk through an entire story about making too much noise. They also didn't laugh once, even though I really hammed it up. Maybe I'll try this one with my class visit on Thursday, though...
Song: Shake My Sillies Out
Song: Head and Shoulders
Book: Shout! Shout it Out! by Denise Fleming (2011)
Complete and utter disaster. Never again. The book is awesome, but people actually stopped participating halfway through and started having conversations. Awful. This group just won't do anything interactive.
Song: The Wheels on the Bus
A pathetic attempt to salvage the story time. It didn't really work.
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
Song: If You'd Like to Read a Book
I love this one. The language is simple enough for preschoolers, and the pop-up images of the dinosaurs are eye-catching and exciting - especially the T-Rex!
Flannel Board Rhyme: Five Enormous Dinosaurs
Song: Hands Are For Clapping
A man's house is too noisy. A wise man makes it even noisier. Why? To teach the man a lesson! Amazingly, people managed to talk through an entire story about making too much noise. They also didn't laugh once, even though I really hammed it up. Maybe I'll try this one with my class visit on Thursday, though...
Song: Shake My Sillies Out
Song: Head and Shoulders
Complete and utter disaster. Never again. The book is awesome, but people actually stopped participating halfway through and started having conversations. Awful. This group just won't do anything interactive.
Song: The Wheels on the Bus
A pathetic attempt to salvage the story time. It didn't really work.
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This